We welcome Alonzo Brinson from Lake City, Florida, and a senior at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Alonzo began preaching at just 16 years old and continues to inspire others through faith, leadership, and service. He serves as SGA Chaplain at Morehouse College and provides leadership in outreach and evangelism through the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel.

From mentoring his peers to serving communities throughout Florida and Georgia, Alonzo demonstrates what it means for young people to lead with purpose and serve with compassion.

Born on August 15, 1923, Deacon Parnell is 103 years old and proud of a lifetime spent working and providing for his family. A lifelong farmer, he cultivated crops including tobacco, corn, and cotton. Throughout his working years, he was employed at Aero and worked as a service station employee.

Family is one of Deacon Parnell's greatest sources of pride. He is the father of five children and grandfather of six grandchildren, all of whom he proudly describes as successful. Among his grandchildren are accomplished professionals and community leaders, including a lawyer, a doctor, and Columbia County Commissioner District One, Kevin Parnell.

Longevity also runs strong in the Parnell family. Deacon Parnell has two siblings: Ms. Joyce Tunsil, age 99, and Ms. Veronica Pinkston, age 100. His mother lived to be 103 years and three months, and Deacon Parnell says with confidence that he expects to live even longer!

Join the Hour of Excellence Podcast as we celebrate Deacon Donal Parnell's extraordinary journey and hear about a life built on faith, family, hard work, and a legacy of excellence.

At 103 years young, Deacon Donal Parnell continues to inspire us all!

Troy Albers for Congress

Meet the Candidate Forum 

Troy Albers is running for United States Congress, Florida's 3rd Congressional District.

His home is in Columbia County, North Central Florida 

Contact Information 

Phone: 352-756-7882

Email: GetInvolved@AlbersForCongress.com 

Website: https://albersforcongress.com/contact

Join us for an inspiring conversation with community advocate and educator Befaithful Coker, a candidate for Lake City Council District 14. Mrs. Coker shares her vision for a stronger, safer, and more united Lake City, emphasizing youth development, economic opportunities, community engagement, and transparent leadership.

A longtime community volunteer and executive director, Coker has dedicated years to creating opportunities for young people and advocating for issues that strengthen families and neighborhoods. She discusses her commitment to listening to residents, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that every voice in District 14 is heard.

During this special episode, listeners will learn about:

• Her background in community service and leadership.
• Why she decided to run for Lake City Council District 14.
• Her priorities for improving quality of life in Lake City.
• The importance of civic engagement and working together to build a brighter future for all residents.

Mrs. Befaithful Coker Contact information: 

Email: befaithfulcoker@gmail.com

Phone: 386-697-6075

Facebook: Befaithful Coker for Lake City Council District 14

On this episode of Hour of Excellence, host Mrs. Bernice Presley welcomes Mrs. Tomi S. Brown for an informative discussion about elections, civic engagement, and the important role of the Supervisor of Elections Office in Columbia County.

Mrs. Brown explains how her office works year-round to ensure elections are conducted fairly, accurately, and securely. Listeners learn about voter registration, vote-by-mail procedures, polling locations, election integrity, and the many resources available to voters through the Elections Office. 

About Our Guest:

Tomi S. Brown serves as the Columbia County Supervisor of Elections, overseeing voter registration, election administration, vote-by-mail services, poll worker training, and election results reporting for Columbia County, Florida.

Website: https://www.votecolumbiafl.gov

Florida Emancipation Day, celebrated on May 20th each year, marks the day in 1865 when Union General Edward M. McCook announced the Emancipation Proclamation in Tallahassee, effectively ending slavery in Florida.  Several counties in Florida celebrate this day.

The speaker for the Celebration is Dr. Christopher Esing, professor at Western Wyoming College.  He is a historian of economic history with a specific focus on the development of Florida from the Civil War to World War II.  President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, delivered on January 1, 1863, will be presented by Idrissa Presley-Peterson, chairperson of the Presley Learning Center, Inc.

Fadriena is bold, caring, strategic, and creative. She hails from Lake City,

Florida and is a graduate of the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University's

School of Business & Industry. A professional with over 10 years of

management experience overseeing the day-to day operations of corporate,

govermental, and non-profit organizations. She fulfills strategic goals and

direction. Including fundraising, professional development, and life-skills

training. With extensive experience in financial analysis and regulatory

Compliance.

For more than 15 years Fadriena has been a Mentor & Coach to women &

girls. She is a Compassionate Leader & a Business Startegist. Her Community

Networking, Advocacy and Fundraising led her to Mary Kay as an official Mary

Kay Foundation Ambassador as well as an avid volunteer for girls

organizations like Ladies learning to Lead.

In 2022 Fadriena became the Executive Director of L3. She has led the

organization in its statewide expansion with staff teams in Tallahassee,

Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. Managing a budget

over $1M. She is excited for the next chapter of L3 and leading this awesome

organization to more statewide and national programs.

Fadriena enjoys board games, traveling, and girl time fun! In her spare time

she is a dance enthusiast, spa & beauty guru, and aunite to 8 + counting!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cell: (386) 697 9103 | Email: fadriena@L3Ladies.org

SOCIALS

Instagram - @FJSUTTON

Facebook - @FJSMK

LinkedIn - @FADRIENA-SUTT

A tribute to Glynnell Presley for his Birthday in April 2026.

Stories and poems about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Originally aired November 15, 2025 on 107.9 WUAF FM Lake City, FL

Columbia High School (CHS) in Lake City, Florida, tribute to honor Cordez Markeith King, a beloved member of the school community who served as a permanent substitute teacher.

The tribute highlighted King's significant impact on both students and staff. Principal Mr. Trey Hosford shared personal reflections on King's dedication, emphasizing his consistent presence and positive influence throughout the halls of CHS. Cordez Markeith King was more than a substitute; he was a fixture whose kindness and commitment to the students left a lasting mark on the Fighting Tiger family.

The podcast interview was conducted by Cordez's godmother, Mrs. Bernice Presley.

Hour of Excellence: “Mr. Sun”

Join us as we learn all about the mighty sun!

Aired September 13, 2025, on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL 

Summary: In this encouraging and eye-opening episode, we explore why making mistakes isn’t something to fear—it’s something to learn from!

Interview with a talented young violinist. Her story will inspire kids to believe in their abilities.

The episode also features an interactive nursery rhyme segment, where everyone can sing along and learn new rhymes.

Aired July 5, 2025 on 107.9 FM WUAF

Join us as we celebrate the birthdays of two beloved community leaders --- Pastors Anthony and Minnie Gomes from The Angel Radio Network, 107.9 FM WUAF in Lake City, FL. 

Originally aired June 19, 2025, on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL.

Summary:

In this special Hour of Excellence episode, we celebrate Father’s Day and honor the powerful history behind Juneteenth! Listeners will enjoy fun facts about Father's Day and explore the important role fathers play in our lives. 

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. Through age-appropriate stories and songs, kids will learn why June 19th is a day of freedom, pride, and celebration in African American history.

Originally aired June 14, 2025, on 107.9FM WUAF Lake City, FL

In this episode, we explore the wild and wonderful world of weather—just for kids! 

Originally aired May 31, 2025, on 107.9FM WUAF Lake City, FL

Historian Dr. Christopher M. Esing discusses Florida Emancipation Day. 

Florida Emancipation Day is celebrated annually on May 20, commemorating the proclamation of emancipation in Tallahassee on that date in 1865. This date marks the end of slavery in Florida, eleven days after the Civil War ended and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. 

Happy Emancipation Day, Lake City and Columbia County, FL. 2025. Celebrating 160 Years of Freedom.

Many enslaved African Americans in Columbia County, upon being set free, married in mass. Weddings for those who were enslaved were generally only recognized on the plantation and not in the legal system, so 25 couples took the chance to legally become husband and wife. A Justice of the Peace in Gainesville named Fryer offered to wed all freedmen, and a group from Columbia County went to his home. He provided a barrel of free lemonade and refreshments. The newlyweds danced and partied all night long at the judge’s house because of the distance they had to travel.

Their wedding day offered local freedmen their first real taste of freedom. ~ Florida Emancipation Day with Dr. Christopher M. Esing.

Podcast Summary – Hour of Excellence Radio Show for Kids

The Hour of Excellence is a dynamic, engaging educational podcast designed especially for curious and ambitious kids! Each episode delivers a fun mix of knowledge and inspiration, featuring:

These kid-friendly lessons on the stock market and the S&P 500 help young listeners understand money, investing, and the economy.

Exciting Japanese language segments, where kids learn basic vocabulary, fun phrases, and cultural insights.

 Fascinating history lessons that bring major events and important figures to life.

 Bonus content like trivia, fun facts, and mini-challenges to keep kids thinking and growing.

With a focus on excellence, discovery, and real-world learning, Hour of Excellence is where young leaders start their journey toward greatness.

Linda Hugley is President and Founder of Women of Veteran Affairs (W.O.V.A.)

Website: https://wovainc.org. The Women of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to honoring the dignity and quality of life of all veterans and their families by eliminating barriers to opportunities. Every Veteran and their family will have the opportunity to receive education, available resources, and counseling to enhance their lives. 

Originally aired on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL March 26, 2025